You can’t beat the joy of cooking outside. Whether it’s the ritual of firing up the barbecue on a warm summer’s day, or grilling hot, handheld delights to keep your hands cosy when autumn sets in, it’s truly something special.
Sharing good food with the ones you love, pouring a glass of something refreshing, and sitting back to enjoy the fruits of your labour alfresco is what it’s all about.
Classic bangers and burgers are just the start of it – it’s time to welcome some new friends to the grill. Whether you’re after beautiful ribs, sizzling skewers, gorgeous griddled veg or those all-important sides, we’ve got you covered. Here are our most mouthwatering barbecue recipes.
VEGGIE WINNERS
Summer personified and packed full of colour, optimism and veggie goodness, these peachy skewers are a thing of beauty. Perfect paired with a crisp white wine.
![Griddled vegetables & feta with tabbouleh](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/46257426.jpg?tr=w-399)
Celebrate the natural flavour of beautiful summer veg by grilling until charred and nutty. Plus, barbecuing a whole block of feta is a total game-changer.
![Salt & pepper tofu skewers](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/18Ch_qFQ4nVAq4Y9EIDX9p.jpg?tr=w-399)
Firm tofu holds up so well on a skewer, and it’s a great vehicle for big, bold flavours – these soy-marinated skewers are epic barbecue fare.
MEAT-LOVERS
![Sticky hoisin ribs](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/114185879.jpg?tr=w-399)
Let the oven do the hard work before your guests arrive, then grill these finger-licking ribs to perfection for smoky, sticky goodness – add wood chips or woody herbs to take it to the next level.
![Barbecued chicken](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/oldImages/xtra_med/53_2_1434040002.jpg?tr=w-399)
Elevate the humble chicken breast with a flavour-packed fiery marinade in this barbecued beauty. What’s more, you can apply this principle to prawns, pork tenderloin or steak.
![Insanity burger](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/oldImages/xtra_med/1288_1_1434099660.jpg?tr=w-399)
Recreate burger perfection on the barbecue, complete with lashings of mustard, melty cheese, homemade sauce, and super-speedy pickled onions. Now this is how to do a burger.
![Buddy's BBQ burgers](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/108141657.jpg?tr=w-399)
One for kids and adults alike, these simple burgers are the ideal base for all sorts of toppings and sides. Get creative!
![Barbecued Thai-style chicken legs](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/oldImages/xtra_med/59_36_1434037590.jpg?tr=w-399)
This recipe delivers beautifully tender meat with gorgeously crispy skin. Paired with a zingy marinade and topped with fresh coriander – you can’t go wrong.
FANTASTIC FISH & SEAFOOD
![Butterflied prawn skewers](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/114185878.jpg?tr=w-399)
Zingy, barbecued prawns are a no-brainer on the grill, and they go brilliantly with refreshing watermelon. Not your average kebab by a long shot.
![Barbecued trout in newspaper](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/46262920.jpg?tr=w-399)
Delicate flesh, next-level flavour and the coolest cooking method – you’ll come back to this barbecued trout recipe time and time again.
![Crispy barbecued side of salmon with cucumber yoghurt](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/oldImages/xtra_med/162_1_1350896811.jpg?tr=w-399)
Go all out with a whole side of salmon – it makes a beautiful centrepiece when barbecued like this, with the bonus of crispy skin to crack over. Any leftover salmon will be epic tossed through a salad, or on toast with a poached egg.
![Lobster burger](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/9efqOqvWaMZ91PbI2m9tsk.jpg?tr=w-399)
Get down to your local fishmonger and treat yourself to a bit of lobster – it’s a real indulgence but oh-so-worth-it at the right time, with the right people. A cross between a burger and a BLT – this barbecued beauty does it justice.
SENSATIONAL SIDES
Side dishes are just as exciting as the food cooked over coals. Check out our four delicious ways to use Jersey Royals – one of summer’s most exciting treats.
![Roast new potato & pickle salad](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/92507801.jpg?tr=w-399)
Another great way to celebrate the humble spud, this roast potato salad is topped with zingy lemon zest, tangy pickled cucumber, and an abundance of fresh herbs.
![The best pasta salad](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/oldImages/xtra_med/603_1_1438764345.jpg?tr=w-399)
No barbecue spread or alfresco feast would be complete without this iconic side dish – it’s straightforward, super-quick and full of flavour.
![Jools’ chopped salad](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/xtra_med/46257931.jpg?tr=w-399)
A great way to celebrate or use up an array of crunchy veg, this chopped salad is fresh, vibrant and full of texture.
![Grilled flatbreads with rosemary oil](https://img.jamieoliver.com/jamieoliver/recipe-database/oldImages/xtra_med/251_1_1439310029.jpg?tr=w-399)
Chuck these flavour-packed flatbreads on the barbie for next-level alfresco eating. If you’re after a quicker recipe, these easy flatbreads will do the trick.
Fancy a tipple at your barbecue? Check out our gorgeous summer cocktails. Or after more food inspiration? Take a look at the ultimate vegetarian BBQ and the ultimate vegan BBQ.